Dress To Impress (Yourself!)
How I dress to feel my most confident.
Growing up as a farmer’s daughter, and a bit of a Tom Boy, fashion was never the center of my universe. My priorities involved working my butt off on the farm, and building elaborate hay forts with my little brother. Nonetheless, when I did delve into the fashion world, I was known to rock some ‘90s cliches in my day. From flannels tied around my waist, to spice-girls style chunky platforms, to short-sleeved tees over long sleeves, I’ve learned from my mistakes over the years. And while I do think there’s merit in keeping-up with current trends, dressing for you, rocking clothes that make you feel comfortable is at the forefront of my approach to fashion now.
The best way to achieve that?
Feeling confident that you’re accentuating your gorgeous figure, of course! Learning to dress for your body type does take a little bit of dedication, but it’s made getting ready in the morning infinitely easier for me. Having a wardrobe where I can grab and go a simple, fitted jumpsuit in two seconds makes a HUGE difference when my son wakes me up on Sunday morning and tells me he needs a ride to Oakville “like, now please, Mom!”
Boys.
But seriously, dressing to highlight your highlights and mask the parts of your body you’re not quite feeling at the moment has been super helpful for me. Everyone is different, but here’s what I focus on.
Find The Right Jeans
If you follow me on social media, you’ll catch me wearing a lot of high-waisted jeans. There’s one light-wash pair in particular that is my absolute go-to. The reason I adore the high-waisted cut is because of how it accentuates my waistline.
My booty is a little bigger (big booty sisters, unite!), so drawing the eye upward helps make me feel confident, and create more of an hourglass shape.
There’s nothing better than a good pair of jeans. I bought these from Anthropologie on clearance for like $79! They’re usually like $300. If you keep up with the blog, I think you’ll have noticed by now I am always one for a bargain!
Belts Are My BFF
Okay so this kind of ties in with the last one, in that it can serve a similar purpose. I am obsessed with thrifting, and most of my belts have been thrifted. I’ll try any style once, but a solid chunky belt around my waist is my favourite way to go. Especially when paired with a fun summer dress. Add some cowboy boots (stay tuned for a blog about how I style my favourite cowboy boots), and a fun purse, and you’ll simultaneously highlight your curves and your personality! I got these Citizens of Humanity jeans from Value Village $9.99, and thrifted a belt while I was at it!
A skinner belt around your hips works well too if you’re looking to draw attention to your other ass-ets. ;)
Smock Dresses & Jumpers
I’m probably going to do a whole post dedicated to my boundless supply of Jumpers because they’re staples in my wardrobe.
But smock dresses also have a special place in my heart.
Now, I generally feel pretty confident about my physique (as everyone should), but if we’re honest ladies, some days you just wake up feeling a little more bloated than others. Sometimes its hormonal, sometimes it’s because I’ve had one too many pints of Guinness the night before.
Regardless.
Here’s where the smock dress comes in. Flowy, comfortable, and seriously adorable, this youthful piece always reminds me of playing dress-up as a kid. It also ensures I’m not feeling self-conscious about a little more bloat than usual when I’m out and about!
Embrace Your Uniqueness
Perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned about dressing for me is, well…dressing for me! I’m a country girl through and through, and my cowboy boots will always be my favourite accessory. But you know what? Sometimes I want to pull a total 180 and dress like a bit of a rocker for a Motley Crue concert.
(OMG, did any of you see their recent world tour?!)
The point is, you’ll always feel your most confident when you’re feeling like you.
And confidence is the BEST fashion statement.
